From the Desk of Bob Carr, TLC Incorporated
The holidays fade, the last pine needles fall, and the cocoa mugs get tucked away for another year. For most homeowners, that’s when the season ends.
But for us here at TLC, that’s when the real work begins.
You see, the lights may come down, but the process behind them never stops. That’s what keeps TLC displays looking beautiful and reliable year after year.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens after we carefully remove your Christmas lights — how we store them, test them, and prepare for the next season — this article is for you.
We’re going behind the scenes to show you the science, organization, and care that happens after the glow fades.
1️⃣ The Day After the Holidays
The minute the holidays wind down — usually around New Year’s — we start our next phase: the Great Takedown.
Now, let me tell you something. Anyone can hang lights, but taking them down correctly is an art form.
At TLC, we don’t rush, yank, or toss. We remove everything methodically, the same way it went up. Each clip, each strand, and each connection point gets the same attention to detail it did on installation day.
Our crews follow labeled plans for every home — digital layouts with exact strand counts, connection points, and outlet locations. We know precisely where each piece belongs.
It’s not guesswork. It’s process.
By doing it this way, we avoid broken clips, tangled cords, or damaged bulbs. That means less waste, fewer replacements, and faster setup next season.
Bob’s Tip: Never rush your takedown. A few extra minutes spent doing it right can save you hours of frustration next year.
2️⃣ The Inventory Process — TLC’s “Post-Holiday Science”
Once we remove your lights, they’re not just tossed into a bin and forgotten.
No, sir. Every strand, clip, and timer goes through a three-step post-holiday inspection that we’ve refined over decades.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Testing
Every single light strand is plugged in and tested individually.
– We check for any dimming, flickering, or uneven brightness.
– Faulty bulbs or weak connections get flagged and repaired immediately.
– Waterproof seals and sockets are inspected for wear.
Step 2: Cleaning and Drying
Even with careful installation, outdoor lights can pick up dust, pollen, or moisture. We use gentle air-blowing systems to remove debris and ensure every connection is clean and dry before storage.
Moisture is the number one enemy of lighting longevity. A few damp cords can ruin an entire storage box if left unchecked.
Step 3: Labeling and Sorting
Finally, we label every single component. Roofline sections, tree wraps, pathway lights — each goes into its own clearly marked bin.
Every box is tagged with your name, installation date, and layout zone (for example: “The Johnson Residence — Roofline Front East”).
That’s how, come next fall, your lights go back exactly where they belong — perfectly matched, perfectly balanced.
Bob’s Tip: If you store your own lights, invest in heavy-duty plastic totes with rubber seals. Moisture and pests are your biggest threats in off-season storage.
3️⃣ The Quiet Season That Isn’t Quiet
Most people think our work ends in January. But in reality, January through March is our most important season for quality control.
While the displays may be dark outside, inside TLC’s warehouse it’s bright — literally. Our shop lights glow from morning to night as our technicians test, repair, and organize equipment.
We sort thousands of strands, replace any worn clips, and run complete diagnostics on our smart timers and controllers.
That’s also when we take stock of new lighting technology. Each year, manufacturers roll out improved LED systems, longer-lasting wiring, and smarter control options. We field-test every new product before it ever goes on a customer’s home.
Because when next season comes, we want every TLC client to have the most reliable, advanced, and beautiful lighting available — no surprises, no failures, no guesswork.
4️⃣ The Science of Storage — How TLC Protects Your Investment
Let me tell you a secret that most homeowners don’t know: how you store your lights matters just as much as how you hang them.
That’s why TLC uses a climate-controlled storage system for all member displays.
Why It Matters:
– Temperature swings can cause plastic insulation to crack.
– Moisture leads to corrosion inside sockets and connectors.
– Dust and pests can chew through cords or coatings.
By keeping everything sealed, labeled, and stored in a stable environment, we extend the lifespan of our lighting systems by years.
We don’t just store your décor — we preserve your investment.
Each client has dedicated shelving or bin space, mapped and tracked in our database. If you’re one of our membership clients, your lighting is safely waiting, prepped for next year — dry, protected, and ready to shine again.
Bob’s Tip: Don’t leave your lights in an attic or shed. The heat and humidity up there can ruin insulation and fade LED coatings faster than you think.
5️⃣ The Planning Cycle Starts All Over Again
Around mid-summer — while most people are thinking about cookouts — we’re already thinking about Christmas again.
That’s when we start reviewing our layouts, updating client preferences, and making note of any changes to your property.
Did you add a new porch? Replace siding? Trim a tree? Those small changes can affect how lighting fits.
TLC keeps detailed notes and photos from every installation, so we can make any needed adjustments before the next holiday rush.
And for our membership clients, early summer is also when we send out our renewal reminders and scheduling options. That way, when the first crisp air of fall arrives, your installation spot is already reserved — no waiting, no stress.
Bob’s Tip: Schedule early. The best lighting designs start months before the first bulb ever goes up.
6️⃣ Why This Behind-the-Scenes Work Matters
Here’s the thing: to most people, taking down the lights is just the end of the season. But to us, it’s the foundation of next year’s success.
By handling takedown and storage professionally, we:
– Protect your investment from damage.
– Guarantee perfect reinstallation next year.
– Eliminate waste and reduce environmental impact.
– Ensure that every display looks as perfect on year five as it did on year one.
This level of care is why TLC displays are so consistent, year after year. We don’t just install lights — we maintain relationships.
We know our customers by name. We know their homes, their preferences, and their traditions. When we come back each season, it’s not just a job — it’s a reunion.
And that’s what makes it all worth it..
7️⃣ The Human Side of the Season
Every January, when we’re out there carefully taking lights down in the cold, we often get waves and smiles from neighbors. Sometimes we even get cups of hot coffee handed out the front door.
It’s a reminder that what we do isn’t just about lighting — it’s about community.
Those lights that spark joy for a few short weeks represent months of work, planning, and care from our team. They bring families together, brighten neighborhoods, and create memories that last a lifetime.
And once the lights come down, our job becomes keeping those memories ready for next year — safely stored and waiting to shine again.
Bob’s Tip: The holidays may end, but the spirit of care, craftsmanship, and kindness doesn’t have to. That’s what TLC is built on.
🎁 The TLC Membership Difference
If you’re one of our TLC Holiday Lighting Members, this entire process — from takedown to testing, from repair to reinstallation — is all included in your membership.
You never have to lift a finger, climb a ladder, or worry about storage.
Our membership includes:
– Professional removal of all lights and décor.
– Comprehensive inspection and repair during the off-season.
– Safe, climate-controlled storage at our TLC facility.
– Automatic early scheduling for next season.
– Member-only upgrades and discounts on new products.
It’s the complete, worry-free way to enjoy your holidays — knowing every strand, clip, and timer is cared for by professionals who treat your home like their own.
🎄 A Final Word from Bob
Every light we take down has a story. Maybe it was the wreath above the door where the grandkids posed for photos. Or the roofline that became a neighborhood landmark.
When the last strand comes down and the glow fades, what remains is the pride of knowing we helped make someone’s holiday special.
That’s why we take this work so seriously. We don’t just decorate homes — we build traditions, season after season.
So if you’ve ever wondered what really happens after the lights come down, now you know: the care continues.
Because at TLC, holiday lighting isn’t a once-a-year event. It’s a year-round commitment to excellence, safety, and joy.
And that’s the science — and heart — behind everything we do.
Bob Carr
President, TLC Incorporated